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The Car Thread ... !
- Thread starter D.T.
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I know... I wouldn't mind the mice in the garage if they just left my car alone. I don't want to spend the $45 for the new hood insulator if there is a good chance of those ******* will just chew up the new one.
Back in the old days they used to use something like a bee smoker and run it across walls and joints to see if there was a gasp or a mouse hole. I think they use some kind of thermal crap now. Really any smoke would work, cigar, cigarette, burning sugar, etc.
At the rate mice mate, you're better off doing something like caulking and stuffing every crevice you can think of.
At the rate mice mate, you're better off doing something like caulking and stuffing every crevice you can think of.
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Ugh, yeah, it's amazing how they get in anywhere really. So was the dead one in your car/engine bay?
Nah, dead one was in the trap. So I think the traps have been effective in that the mice go for the traps first before trying to venture into the car. I have not noticed any further damage to the insulation or signs of a new nest being built under the hood.
You could try cayenne. They and other animals hate it. You can do flaked or powdered. Powdered is better, IMO. I buy it in bulk and pour it around the property lines and in the garden. Prevents rabbits and deer from eating anything. Another method is to grab a few tablespoons of the powder, pour boiling water on it and let it sit in a bottle for a few days. You can spray that on the ground of your garage.
Another method is using the following chemical. Which is great for crickets and other chirping bastards that ruin your outdoor experience during the winter. Mice hate it a lot. I'm not sure what's in it that causes mice to run away or not even get remotely close. It's Spectracide spray in a container. Doesn't seem to matter which one you use. Ortho works just as well according to people I've spoken with. Some people spray their engine bays with the stuff while the engine is still warm. There's a lot of easier ways to deter animals without killing them and being left with a rotting animal.
Wow, that interior looks like garbage. Large amounts of cheap plastics everywhere. And those awful touch buttons that Ford had to get rid of.
I agree entirely. Aside from the Soft Touch materials, the console area has three storage areas that surround the shifter which will easily scratch with this glossy plastic like texture. The Touch capacitive area has a "Piano black" finish and it will show scratches (Although mine doesn't have any being it's new.) Near the tachometer/display area, these plastic tabs stick out, which could have been easily concealed to make it look more clean.
My opinion, for a $43,000 car, the interior could have been improved. Also, to many gaps/crevices between the console and driver area with the dash. Some creaking as well with the plastic. The performance has exceeded my expectations, but the interior needs refinement.
The Touch capacitive controls are cumbersome to use as well, which I prefer physical buttons.
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This photo shows exactly what I didn't like what Ford did with the center console area with a glossy like plastic. I think it cheapens the interior and will scratch easily. Poor design choice here. And I don't care for the faux Carbon fiber either.
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This I disagree with. Mainly because I don't believe Ford does know the demographic who would be interested in purchasing the SHO. And the reason I say that is because they don't even market this vehicle at all, so it's difficult to make an educated guess where they target this car. As a matter fact, in my city, most Ford dealerships don't even stock the New SHO on their lot unless you order it, which is manufactured out of Chicago.
This particular platform of a car is mainly becoming a fading industry that is replaced by crossovers. Which, is also why you can find excellent deals on the Ford SHO with rebates and even a one-year-old model with low mileage will sell under $30,000.
You have to remember, the Ford SHO is primarily based off the police interceptor Line, which is likely why they keep it around for that segment. Anyone that has knowledge on this car, is purchasing the SHO because of the performance with the Potent Ecoboost 3.5 TT, NOT the sophistication. The last major refresh for the for SHO was in 2013, and barely any improvements have been made since then.
As I mentioned above to another poster, the interior could be improved in different areas, which is unacceptable by my standards. I question why they used some of the materials they did in the interior. However, In the same respect, I question how much they would actually improve this vehicle because of stagnant sales for the future, if we even see a refreshed SHO.
Better deal is subjective. Not sure how relevant this comparison is being domestic versus import either. Not to mention, you likely won't find steep sale prices on the Lexus ES compared to a Taurus SHO. Even though the performance numbers are very similar. But I will say the Lexus ES has a much more refined interior and will hold value over the SHO. But as someone who owns the SHO, I personally don't have any interest in the Lexus ES series being I Prefer domestic. To each their own.
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The Taurus, not the Taurus SHO... The majority of Taurus owners I've seen are easily in their sixties and older.
Lot of older folks preferred Buick for a long time after Cadillac went into dramatics with their angular designs. A lot of these folks refuse to buy Buicks now because they make a model in China and import it to the states.
Eh, you have a point, but 2016 and + ES are made in Kentucky. From a refinement perspective, the ES wins. Long term reliability goes to Lexus. Resale goes to Lexus. For the majority of buyers, this is likely their last car, so to speak. Chances are, and based on what I've witnessed, they go for the Limited trim, putting it in line with the ES. Coincidentally, the ES is also popular with that age group and then some. Typically, ES buyers are in their late 50s. ES brings in decent driving dynamics, luxury and affordability to the table where similar vehicles of its class sell for way more.
The SHO sales suffer because it costs a lot and its for a niche market. And, as you pointed out, lack of marketing. And going through the configuration, it's a bit funky. I can't get it with the performance package and some driver aids, while this is possible with a lot of companies. Certain options require you to remove or get other options you don't want. While this is somewhat normal with various marques, Ford goes the extra mile by making it impossible to have safety features and performance features. Safety features aren't rolled up into the performance package either.
The MKZ makes more sense if you want to stick with domestic. Or the Continental if you want to pony up a little more. The new one looks pretty nice for a Lincoln, and it isn't as garish as the CTS's exterior, and just as nice inside, if not nicer.
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Cost, and because they can get away with it on the SHO. While it was a little more expensive, the SS was in a similar bind. It had low sales numbers, but that was due to Chevy not caring about advertising because the car was already pretty niche. There's a lot of info going back a few years, but Douglas DeMura's video highlights some key facts, and gets a few wrong. The SS as an import Chevy (Holden in Oz), is rather nice inside. A step up from the SHO. Performance is a bit better except in the MPG department. The bright side is that the engine does well in the aftermarket tuning department. The Aussies have always been a bit nuts when it came to their performance Holdens. There's a large community of modders going back several vehicle generations and lines.
Anyway, on the regular Taurus, the majority of their sales are to retirees, people wanting a decent but cheap Ford, and fleet sales, not counting LE sales.
Not quite. Crossovers have been popular for around 16-17 years. Regular sedans aren't going anywhere if they sell well. Today's tech allows large SUVs and previously gas consuming crossovers to be more efficient. They also sell to a record number of people because they prefer the higher ride height. The margins on these cars allow the companies to still invest time and money into regular sedans, seeing as the coupe market is still dwindling, even 30 years later.
Crossovers only look like they're more common because more manufacturers have realized that it's akin to hitting the jackpot. And also making an extended wheelbase of their midsize SUVs and squeezing in a paltry third row bench. There's also the benefit of being able to drive a large crossover like a car. The reason people don't buy full size SUVs like they used to is because they're a pain in the ass to drive. Though that might change with newer driving aid tech like 360 camera systems.
Lot of older folks preferred Buick for a long time after Cadillac went into dramatics with their angular designs. A lot of these folks refuse to buy Buicks now because they make a model in China and import it to the states.
Eh, you have a point, but 2016 and + ES are made in Kentucky. From a refinement perspective, the ES wins. Long term reliability goes to Lexus. Resale goes to Lexus. For the majority of buyers, this is likely their last car, so to speak. Chances are, and based on what I've witnessed, they go for the Limited trim, putting it in line with the ES. Coincidentally, the ES is also popular with that age group and then some. Typically, ES buyers are in their late 50s. ES brings in decent driving dynamics, luxury and affordability to the table where similar vehicles of its class sell for way more.
The SHO sales suffer because it costs a lot and its for a niche market. And, as you pointed out, lack of marketing. And going through the configuration, it's a bit funky. I can't get it with the performance package and some driver aids, while this is possible with a lot of companies. Certain options require you to remove or get other options you don't want. While this is somewhat normal with various marques, Ford goes the extra mile by making it impossible to have safety features and performance features. Safety features aren't rolled up into the performance package either.
The MKZ makes more sense if you want to stick with domestic. Or the Continental if you want to pony up a little more. The new one looks pretty nice for a Lincoln, and it isn't as garish as the CTS's exterior, and just as nice inside, if not nicer.
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It isn't really, but people constantly compare Mustang GTs and CTS-Vs to European luxury sport coupes and saloons.
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Cost, and because they can get away with it on the SHO. While it was a little more expensive, the SS was in a similar bind. It had low sales numbers, but that was due to Chevy not caring about advertising because the car was already pretty niche. There's a lot of info going back a few years, but Douglas DeMura's video highlights some key facts, and gets a few wrong. The SS as an import Chevy (Holden in Oz), is rather nice inside. A step up from the SHO. Performance is a bit better except in the MPG department. The bright side is that the engine does well in the aftermarket tuning department. The Aussies have always been a bit nuts when it came to their performance Holdens. There's a large community of modders going back several vehicle generations and lines.
Anyway, on the regular Taurus, the majority of their sales are to retirees, people wanting a decent but cheap Ford, and fleet sales, not counting LE sales.
Not quite. Crossovers have been popular for around 16-17 years. Regular sedans aren't going anywhere if they sell well. Today's tech allows large SUVs and previously gas consuming crossovers to be more efficient. They also sell to a record number of people because they prefer the higher ride height. The margins on these cars allow the companies to still invest time and money into regular sedans, seeing as the coupe market is still dwindling, even 30 years later.
Crossovers only look like they're more common because more manufacturers have realized that it's akin to hitting the jackpot. And also making an extended wheelbase of their midsize SUVs and squeezing in a paltry third row bench. There's also the benefit of being able to drive a large crossover like a car. The reason people don't buy full size SUVs like they used to is because they're a pain in the ass to drive. Though that might change with newer driving aid tech like 360 camera systems.
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The way I see it is I'd rather see crossovers and manufacturers making them to aid R&D in other, non-crossover vehicles. Plus, a sea of crossovers is a hell of a lot better than a sea of minivans. The very definition of hell, IMO.
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I'm really curious as to how these perform over the next 4-8 years. I'm sure they're durable, but how well they're received by the masses. Seems awesome now, but who knows what you'll think a year from now or a few years after owning it.
There's something really special about a well engineered plastic button or a hunk of lightweight alloy acting as a button, nice resistance and a satisfying click when it's actuated. Not to get too Patrick Bateman, but you get the gist of what I'm trying to say. Hopefully.
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This is one of the things I didn't like about the Panamara when we tested it out a month or so ago. I'm not sure what type of control surface is used in it, but it was very odd having no physical buttons. It was a turn off for me. It isn't a matter of being older and not liking it, but from a safety perspective, I want to glance and touch/hit/tap a physical button, not try to touch a surface correctly while driving at 65 MPH on a freeway, or some of the longer streets here that allow you to get up to about 50 MPH.
I'm really curious as to how these perform over the next 4-8 years. I'm sure they're durable, but how well they're received by the masses. Seems awesome now, but who knows what you'll think a year from now or a few years after owning it.
There's something really special about a well engineered plastic button or a hunk of lightweight alloy acting as a button, nice resistance and a satisfying click when it's actuated. Not to get too Patrick Bateman, but you get the gist of what I'm trying to say. Hopefully.
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@quagmire Have you seen the bucket trap for mice? It's basically a 5 gallon bucket partially filled with water, and a rod that spins across the top that's loaded with bait - they walk across to get the food and it rotates and dumps them into the water (and you can assume what happens ...). The upside is it continues to operate, even after it had nailed 1,2, 10 mice! I guess some people might find it inhumane, but don't mess with a man's automobile ... 
Mice and rats are actually incredibly smart. Poison often fails as they can smell it on dead friends and learn to avoid it. If you go with traps, don’t reuse them as they will smell the death on them.
The snap traps seem to work better than conventional mouse traps. I’d go that route, again, not reusing them after they work.
Back in the day my brother had some work done on his car- valve seals if I remember. When they removed the air intake assembly there was massive mouse nest right in the middle of the engine... luckily there was no damage to anything.
There was one time when my dad’s tractor had been sitting for a few months before the start of mowing season with the mower deck on. Some mice made a home in the mower deck’s mechanical system. When that mower got turned on for the first time mice came pouring out like a sinking ship.
The snap traps seem to work better than conventional mouse traps. I’d go that route, again, not reusing them after they work.
Back in the day my brother had some work done on his car- valve seals if I remember. When they removed the air intake assembly there was massive mouse nest right in the middle of the engine... luckily there was no damage to anything.
There was one time when my dad’s tractor had been sitting for a few months before the start of mowing season with the mower deck on. Some mice made a home in the mower deck’s mechanical system. When that mower got turned on for the first time mice came pouring out like a sinking ship.
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@quagmire Have you seen the bucket trap for mice? It's basically a 5 gallon bucket partially filled with water, and a rod that spins across the top that's loaded with bait - they walk across to get the food and it rotates and dumps them into the water (and you can assume what happens ...). The upside is it continues to operate, even after it had nailed 1,2, 10 mice! I guess some people might find it inhumane, but don't mess with a man's automobile ...
We have been reusing them and they still have been effective( for at least the stupid ones that can't smell death), but we have been using peanut butter. When it comes spring time though, I am thinking we are going to have to switch it up considering the ants will be returning and the peanut butter won't be attracting just the mice then.....
Guess I need to get a few guard snakes for the garage.
I just remembered that back in August before taking our Suburban to pick up the winter rims for my Camaro, I opened the hood and found a mouse nest in between the valve covers and intake manifold. But it does look like once a nest is destroyed, they do learn that place is not a safe place anymore and don't attempt to rebuild. Haven't seen any signs of a new nest in either the Suburban or the Camaro.
The mouse problem might develop!
I wanted to give credit where credit is due, Leading me to comment on the customer service from LMR (Late Model Restoration). It was my first purchase from them online, ordered an upgraded BBK 85mm throttle body for my 5.0 Cal. Special, they sent me the wrong Model. Not only did they expedite a next day order with the correct part, they offered a $50.00 gift card to compensate. Defintely will be purchasing from LMR again.
Side Note(s): Even though they sent the wrong part, they still deliver faster than other online auto part companies have in the past. And their website provides assistive turtorial videos for basic install.
Side Note(s): Even though they sent the wrong part, they still deliver faster than other online auto part companies have in the past. And their website provides assistive turtorial videos for basic install.
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That's some sweet compensation. I took a look at their site. Do they sell OEM hardware or custom aftermarket hardware that's as good if not better than OEM?
Anyway, noticed my wipers were in need of replacement today after getting home. Going to leave it for the weekend and remember not to use them with fluid in case it scratches the windshield. Took a lot at some exterior plastics and it looks like they could do with a cleaning and reapplication of trim moisturizer and sealant. Hopefully I've still got some and it hasn't gone bad. Probably do a nice hot water extraction in a month or two when I know the hot weather is here to stay.
Also, any recommendations on a decent trickle charger for the Lexus?
Anyway, noticed my wipers were in need of replacement today after getting home. Going to leave it for the weekend and remember not to use them with fluid in case it scratches the windshield. Took a lot at some exterior plastics and it looks like they could do with a cleaning and reapplication of trim moisturizer and sealant. Hopefully I've still got some and it hasn't gone bad. Probably do a nice hot water extraction in a month or two when I know the hot weather is here to stay.
Also, any recommendations on a decent trickle charger for the Lexus?
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LMR's customer service was very "Apple like", and that's how my business is earned. They sell both Ford OEM and aftermarket parts. They carry reputable third party vendors like Edelbrock, BBK, Roush, SVE, Eibach, Steeda, Baer, Brembo, etc. You can find parts for the Mustang from 1979 all the way up to 2018. I don't think I will be placing any emphasis on modifying my SHO anymore this year (As I Already Livernoise Tuned it and installed the K&N CAI), and will put my resources into my GT for performance and body.
I ordered the BBK throttle body (Easy bolt on Mod with 10-15 HP gain). Will also be ordering a CDC upper grill and deleting the current grill (Will look Similar to the GT500). I already have a Bama Tune with a custom Roush exhaust. Suspension upgrades coming. Long term goal is supercharging it with Either Roush or Paxton. (Paxton is somewhat cheaper).
My GT barely has 12,000 miles, so its young and I want to make the most out of my Spring/Summer being It won't be driven year round.
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The go to for my friends with cars that aren't drive much (classics, weekend cars stored during winter, etc.) is a Battery Tender by Deltran. The old "trickle chargers" aren't the best for the battery (they basically just provide a constant, lower power charge), the "tender" type products have logic to monitor the output and shutdown as needed.
Thanks. Now a stupid question. Which one am I supposed to get?
Usually I start it, rev it a little and drive around the block if I think we won't be using it for a while. It'd been sitting for a few weeks. On the brightside, there was some candycanes inside. Worthwhile adventure.
Sorry, I hadn't noticed your post. That sounds awesome. Yes, some cars from the factory respond really well to an aftermarket ECU tune and other goodies, and often you really have to change very little hardware to compensation for the power increase. Most cars will **** the bucket, though.